A growing social media trend called “princess treatment” is capturing the imagination of Gen Z, reviving fantasies of old-fashioned romance in modern relationships. Inspired by period dramas like Bridgerton and The Gilded Age, the trend involves partners showering women with elaborate gestures — from surprise flowers and breakfast in bed to never letting them open a door or speak to restaurant staff.

Popularised by influencers like Courtney Palmer, who calls herself a “princess housewife,” the trend is both admired and criticized. Supporters say it brings elegance and attentiveness back into dating, offering a welcome contrast to today’s often impersonal hookup culture. Critics argue it reinforces outdated gender roles and risks turning relationships into performances rooted in passive femininity.

With over 130,000 Instagram posts under #princesstreatment, the trend blurs the line between empowerment and regression. Some see it as a romantic fantasy — others call it a modern twist on "benevolent patriarchy." For many American women, the obsession with royalty adds to the appeal, playing into a cultural fascination with princesses, from Cinderella to Diana and Meghan Markle.

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Ultimately, the debate reveals a deeper conversation about gender roles and expectations. Is princess treatment about respect and romance — or control and conformity? As etiquette experts and historians weigh in, the trend continues to thrive, forcing a generation to navigate the line between fantasy and feminism.

Source: BBC